"McConnell spent his life creating this crisis...Only at the end does he find a conscience," political commentator Wajahat Ali wrote.

WASHINGTON – Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell was one of three Republicans voting against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth on Friday to be secretary of Defense, though his appointment was approved by the narrowest of margins.

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky voted against President Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth.

McConnell was followed by former Speakers Kevin McCarthy, John Boehner, and Newt Gingrich. Notably absent from the procession was ex-Speaker Paul Ryan.

At the White House, President Donald Trump said he was surprised that two senators have publicly said they'll vote against his nominee to lead the Defense Department.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell wasted no time criticizing President Donald Trump's nominee for Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, just before he was confirmed.

Mitch McConnell said he doesn't think Pete Hegseth has passed the test proving he is capable of helping the military stand up to China and Russia.

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell expressed his thoughts Saturday on voting to confirm President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

With his "no" vote on Fox News personality Pete Hegseth's nomination to become the first secretary of defense during Donald Trump's second administration, influential former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) served notice to the newly elected president,

The president removed the security detail that has protected the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Trump’s pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency is John Ratcliffe, who formerly served as Director of National Intelligence in Trump’s first term. His confirmation hearing took place last week, during which he repeatedly said he would not hire or fire employees based on their political views.